20th Anniversary Celebration

Where: Ilani – 1 COWLITZ WAY, RIDGEFIELD, WA

October 4th, 2019, 5 PM – 7:30 PM

$75.00

Entertainment by Tony Starlight, Entertainer and Bird Watcher extraordinaire

Scrumptious food and two drink tickets with each entry

Silent Auction of unique items

Live Auction of a few very special items

Tickets are limited so get yours early; you don’t want to miss this event. All funds raised from this event will support our habitat restoration and education programs on the Refuge.

BirdFest & Bluegrass Background

BirdFest was initiated in 2000 by the newly incorporated non-profit Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Birdfest2000 included guided van tours of the River S unit and a dedication ceremony for the new trial.  Art exhibits were displayed at Season’s in town and Rose’s Antiques.  There were guided canoe trips on Lake River and several bird hikes led by Vancouver Audubon.  The Community Center was the site for a Community Garage Sale. There were lectures on birds and a special children’s program on Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax”.  It was such a success, the Friends board started planning the annual event as soon as they were done with Birdfest2000.  Sunset with the Sandhill Cranes was started at the 2001 Birdfest. Van tours into the wetlands roosting area has expanded and been a very popular part of BirdFest since.

Over the years the Friends Board has moved from a garage sale to a Birder’s Marketplace with local artists and wildlife-oriented vendors.  This year, the Birder’s Marketplace moves to the new Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center building downtown. Bluegrass music in town has become a special feature of BirdFest over the years.

We have added many new activities such as a wildlife photography workshop and salmon bake.  Many favorites are still around such as the Sandhill Crane tours, scope station on River S, a geology walk, watercolor workshop and Portland Audubon’s live bird show.  Some require preregistration and/or have a fee.  But there is much more so check out the Friends website, Ridgefieldfriends.org, for details on the BirdFest activities and presentations for Saturday, October 5.  Sandhill Crane tours and a night hike are also scheduled for Friday, October 4^th.